Salmon, People, and Place from edX

No wild animal has more profoundly influenced the cultures and well-being of societies in North America than salmon. Salmon and people have been entwined in a relationship for millennia. This six-week course is an exploration and celebration of this relationship, as well as an examination of the current major issues, including habitat alterations, climate change, and management actions currently straining the relationship between salmon and salmon-dependent people. We will put significant emphasis on learning about salmon and people in Alaska, a place containing the last stronghold of pristine salmon ecosystems anywhere.

Students should expect to read, discuss online, and host and facilitate dialogues in their own communities, using their newfound knowledge beyond our virtual classroom. Together we will examine how the biology of salmon roots them in place and in turn serves to shape human societies and ecosystems.

We will learn from Indigenous elders and youth and understand the system of local management that has sustained salmon for generations. Students will compare and contrast traditional Indigenous management with current practices that are focused on maximizing yield, and will learn concepts such as spawner-recruit analysis and escapement goals.

This course is ideal for those interested in careers in natural resource management and will be of interest to anyone with a love for the natural wild world. By the completion of the course students will be informed and empowered to confront the challenges facing the relationships between salmon and salmon-dependent societies in the 21st century.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The connection of salmon biology to place
How salmon influence traditional indigenous and contemporary western management systems
Common threats to salmon populations
The complex and interconnected nature of salmon systems in alaska and the pacific northwest

The deep connections between indigenous people and salmon
An understanding of traditional sustainable management
Diverse opinions across cultures and stakeholders on salmon-related issues
An informed view of complex salmon-related issues

The connection of salmon biology to place
How salmon influence traditional indigenous and contemporary western management systems
Common threats to salmon populations
The complex and interconnected nature of salmon systems in alaska and the pacific northwest
The deep connections between indigenous people and salmon
An understanding of traditional sustainable management
Diverse opinions across cultures and stakeholders on salmon-related issues
An informed view of complex salmon-related issues

Syllabus

Week 1: Our Salmon Connections

An exploration of what salmon mean to you and an opportunity to learn about the relationship of salmon to others in the course and beyond.

Week 2: Indigenous Deep Time Ties

Introduction to traditional Native ties to salmon, including the foundations of sustainable management grounded in the concepts of permission and consent. We will be guided by our Elders in this journey.

Week 3: Western Fishery Management

A survey of the key concepts underpinning current management of salmon, including spawner-recruit analysis, fixed-escapement policies, and the problem of forecasting.

Week 4: Sport and Commercial Fisheries

Learn about those that live to fish and fish to live and the routine tensions that can arise among different user groups.

Week 5: The Four H’s and Climate Change

Did you know that the demise of salmon throughout much of the world are linked to the same four causes? We will learn about these causes and discuss the mounting challenge of climate change and global warming facing salmon populations.

Week 6: The Future of Salmon and People

Prediction is difficult, especially about the future. In the final week we look forward to what might be in store for salmon and salmon-dependent societies. Will the choices we make be full of humility or hubris?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the profound influence of salmon on North American societies and their ecosystems, providing a comprehensive overview of the relationship between salmon and humans

Taught by Peter Westley, an expert in salmon biology and management

Uses real-world examples and case studies from Alaska, a region with pristine salmon ecosystems

Emphasizes hands-on learning through discussions, dialogue facilitation, and community engagement

Provides a thorough examination of the challenges facing salmon populations, including habitat alterations, climate change, and management practices

Integrates Indigenous perspectives on salmon management and sustainability

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Salmon, People, and Place with these activities:

Salmon Species Identification Quiz

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Test and strengthen your ability to identify different species of salmon, enhancing your field observation skills

Browse courses on Identification

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Review salmon species characteristics
Take a practice quiz
Review your results

Identify Salmon Species

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Reviewing how to identify salmon species will strengthen your foundation for the course as we will be discussing and studying different species throughout the course.

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Gather resources on salmon identification.
Study the different physical characteristics of salmon species, such as size, shape, coloration, and fin patterns.
Practice identifying salmon species using online resources or field guides.

Review Northwest Coast Native American Art: The Spirit Within

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Familiarize yourself with the indigenous peoples who have been living in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, and their perspective of the role of salmon in their culture

View Melania on Amazon

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Preview the table of contents
Identify and define new terminology
Consider the significance of salmon to Indigenous peoples
Review key artworks and their significance

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

How to Dissect a Fish

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Enhance your understanding of fish biology and anatomy by following a guided tutorial on fish dissection, gaining hands-on experience

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Gather necessary materials
Follow a step-by-step dissection guide
Identify and label key anatomical structures
Dispose of the fish properly

Attend a Local Conservation Meeting

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Engage with conservation professionals and community members, broadening your understanding of salmon conservation efforts and connecting with potential mentors

Browse courses on Conservation

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Identify upcoming conservation meetings
Attend the meeting
Introduce yourself and network with others
Learn about local conservation initiatives

Salmon Life Cycle Comic Strip or Storyboard

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Reinforce your understanding of the salmon life cycle by creating a visual representation, fostering both creativity and comprehension

Browse courses on Ecology

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Research the salmon life cycle
Sketch out a storyboard or comic strip
Add illustrations and text
Share your comic strip or storyboard with others

Volunteer at a Salmon Hatchery

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Gain practical experience in salmon conservation by volunteering at a hatchery, contributing to the survival and recovery of salmon populations

Browse courses on Conservation

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Contact local salmon hatcheries
Inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in hatchery operations
Learn about salmon biology and conservation

Salmon Habitat Restoration Workshop

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Apply your knowledge in a practical setting by participating in a salmon habitat restoration project, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to conservation

Browse courses on Fieldwork

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Register for a restoration workshop
Attend the workshop and learn about habitat restoration techniques
Help restore salmon habitat
Reflect on your experience and its impact

Water Quality Research Project

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Simulate the work of scientists and researchers in the field by gathering data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions about the health of our water systems

Browse courses on Water Quality

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Identify a local water body to study
Research water quality parameters
Collect and analyze water samples
Interpret your results and draw conclusions
Share your findings with others

Career center

Learners who complete Salmon, People, and Place will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Indigenous Studies Scholar

Indigenous Studies Scholars research and teach about the history, culture, and politics of Indigenous peoples. This course may be helpful as it provides an introduction to traditional Native ties to salmon, including the foundations of sustainable management grounded in the concepts of permission and consent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indigenous Studies Scholar

Fisheries Biologist

Fisheries Biologists study the biology of fish and their habitats to help manage fish populations and protect aquatic ecosystems. This course may be helpful as it provides insight into the biology of salmon and the threats to salmon populations.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. This course may be helpful as it provides an overview of salmon management in Alaska, including traditional Indigenous management and current practices.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors manage nonprofit organizations. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on how to comply with environmental regulations and minimize their environmental impact. This course may be useful as it provides an understanding of the environmental issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage natural resources within parks and other protected areas. This course may be helpful as it provides insight into the biology of salmon and the threats to salmon populations, both of which are relevant to the responsibilities of a Park Ranger.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Environmental Activist

Environmental Activists work to protect the environment and promote environmental sustainability. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists are largely responsible for developing and implementing conservation plans to protect natural habitats and ecosystems. This course may be useful in developing an understanding of the interconnectedness of salmon systems and the challenges facing the relationship between salmon and salmon-dependent societies.

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Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists help communities and organizations adapt to the impacts of climate change. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the threats facing salmon populations due to climate change.

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Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Individuals within this role are responsible for studying fish and wildlife populations to help maintain the health of fish and wildlife and protect endangered species. This course may be useful as it provides insight into the biology of salmon and the threats to salmon populations, both of which are relevant to a Fish and Wildlife Biologist's responsibilities.

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Wildlife Conservation Officer

Responsible for enforcing fish and wildlife laws and regulations, Wildlife Conservation Officers play a vital role in protecting fish and wildlife populations. This course may be useful as it provides insight into the biology of salmon and the threats to salmon populations.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Individuals within this role analyze environmental policies and regulations and make recommendations for changes to protect the environment. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators develop and implement educational programs to teach people about the environment and environmental issues. This course may be helpful as it provides an understanding of the complex issues facing salmon populations and the management challenges associated with them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator